Q Magazine Contents Page Analysis

Now that I have analyised the cover of this magazine I will now analyse the accompanying contents page for this issue. This will give me a better understanding of the typical layout of a music magazine contents page, as well as gain inspiration for my own contents page.

 

The contents page for this issue of Q is one page, which is unusual for Q as they usually have a double page spread for the contents.

Immediately we can see that the contents page matches the cover in terms of structure and layout as it is neat and easy to follow. We can also see that the house style continues into the contents page through the use of fonts and the colours red, white and black. Although these are the main colours used, a pop of colour has been used for the bubbles including the page numbers. These are effective as they are very easily found and clear to see meaning that the reader can quickly see which page to go to for a certain article. The background has been coloured white which makes the magazine look very organised and sophisticated. This is important as this would appeal to their target audience. The continuity is very clear from the cover, contents page and presumably the rest of the magazine. The use of the same fonts as those on the cover adds to the continuity and sophistication of the whole magazine as well as improving the overall aesthetics. Similarly to the cover, the colours used are quite gender neutral so this will appeal to everyone. There is an good diversity in the representation of gender though the images as there are 4 images featuring males and 3 featuring females. 

On this page there are 7 different images. This page includes all of the same artists that were plugged on the cover, making it very easy for the reader to find a specific article that they saw on the cover. These images all all different sizes and colour tones, such a the black and whit image for Lucidia Williams and the blue toned picture for Jack White. These difference in the images make the contents page seem less uniform and boring. Some of the images overlap the background which adds a more professional style and makes the page more interesting. 

On the contents page, the main image is not of the Foo Fighters like the cover, but instead of Noel Gallagher. It is placed in the top right side and immediately draws the reader’s attention. This would be done to attract readers as this artist is often featured and is famous and the article would appeal to a large number of people. In the image he is looking straight at the camera, encouraging the reader to read on. The heading of each article is the name of the featured artist, again making it very easy for readers to see which article is about a specific artist.

The language used and the tone that is used to speak to the readers shows a certain amount of respect for reader as the writing is not patronizing and assumes a certain level of knowledge. For example, in the first blub, about Noel Gallagher, they refer to him as "The Cheif". This assumes that the reader knows that this is Noel Gallagher's nickname due to the fact that he has been involved in so many different projects. This is effective because no one would want to read a magazine that patronizes them, especially due to the fact that this magazine is targeted towards an older age group so it is important that the writing is exciting without being condescending. The language used is also exciting and entices the reader to read on, for example "where the worlds most exciting rock performer is calling himself and stand-comedian." "In our exclusive interview" this makes the reader feel that this interview will include new previously unseen information as this magazine has the interview exclusively. 

Q has a segment in the contents page called “The Q Review”. This is quite a popular segment of Q Magazine as music enthusiasts regard Q’s opinion quite highly. This section of the contents page has been outlined in a thick black line making it stand out and draw the reader’s eye. This would attract the regular reader as this is more than likely a segment that they would be very interested in. This segment plugs four artists, already mentioned on the cover. The language used is very exciting and would encourage the reader to read the article, for example "Spellbinding turn from the fast rising electro-R&B star." Again the headings are the name of the artists making it very clear to the reader who is reviewed in this months editions. 

At the bottom there are four more artists plugged. Again the name of the artists are the headings and they are bolded making them stand out from the small accompanying blurb. At the very bottom right hand corner the month, year, signature logo and page number is displayed. These small details make the magazine seem professional and well presented. Overall there are 14 different artists plugged on the contents page, from a range of different genres. This is done to try and appeal to as many different people as possible with different music tastes. 

Overall I think this piece is very appealing as it is well structured and clear to follow which are  important aspects of a contents page. The pop of colour is very effective and this is something that I will consider when planning my own contents page. The inclusion of the logo at the top of the page and the bottom adds to the continuity of the magazine and looks very professional. The informal and exciting writing style gives the magazine a friendly and lighthearted tone, which is appealing to readers. This contents page is not only aesthetically pleasing but it is also practical and clear to follow. These are all things that I will consider when I am planning my own contents page.